When I became the Patriarch of Japhiel in the Celestines, 148 years after the
Coming of Estarra, I realized that both I and my kinsmen would benefit from a
concerted effort to understand better the teachings of the Illuminator of
Merciful Justice. I therefore announced to the city of New Celest a series of
discussions intended to probe His tenets.

Over the next dozen years, we gathered four times in the Deep Blue Cathedral to
meditate upon the Four Naoi, meaning the four houses or temples into which the
teachings of Lord Japhiel are organized. Each of the discussions was well
attended, and thoughtful commentary was provided by many Celestians of all
guilds and backgrounds.

Herein I have scribed the words of myself and the other participants at these
four discussions. Although the reader should learn much from these scholarly
conversations, I have decided to record the discussions as accurately as
possible rather than interpret them. Though the resulting document reads like a
personal narrative, I trust that its value as instruction will still be evident.

Neerth, Patriarch of Japhiel

HIS VIRTUOUS TRUTH

a discussion of Lord Japhiel's doctrine of Truth

After calling all interested kinsmen to the alcove of the Holy Illuminator in
the Deep Blue Cathedral, I began the discussion around noon of the fifteenth
day of Dvarsh, one hundred forty-nine years after the Coming of Estarra, with
these words: "Thank you all for coming, kinsmen, and for your friendliness,
which I now turn to a solemn contemplation of Lord Japhiel." I turned and knelt
before the Virtuous Truth's statue, as the other participants honored Him in
their own ways.

Gathered with me were several notable citizens of New Celest: Anisu Aristata,
Faeling of the Light; Collvan Deladrier; Doman Brightwing, Drifter of the
Currents; Squire Jigan, of the Armies of Light; Ecclesiar Metea; Philemon, Aqua
Spout; Shyshaeia Deladrier, Worldwalker; and Tzekelkan Silverwing, the Merciful
Judge. Also in attendance were approximately thirty supplicants and other
kinsmen. The Deep Blue Cathedral was not closed off for the discussion, so the
occasional passerby entered and left as well.

"What I'd like to do," I began, "is just talk for a bit myself, until it starts
to get dark perhaps. And then we'll open up the floor for a full discussion."
The audience was already listening intently, which made me smile broadly at the
congregation.

To put the discussion in context, I lectured a bit: "The many aspects of Lord
Japhiel's ways can be summarized as the Four Naoi: Truth, Judgment, Wisdom, and
Illumination. And today we're discussing the first of those, His Virtuous Truth.
Without understanding the Truth that the Supernals teach us, Judgment and Wisdom
and Illumination are impossibilities.

"The foundation of that Truth, of course, is what the Light is, and what the
Taint is. The Light is the true and natural state of all Cosmic planes. During
the Holy Celestine Empire, the Light could be found wherever you looked, in
Celestia, Shallamar, and beyond. - And part of the Truth," I added with a heavy
heart, "which we'd like to forget - but should always remember - is that the
Taint is here because of Celestians. In spite of our intentions - the
intentions of our ancestors in old Celest - we accidentally unleashed the Taint
into Lusternia.

"And the Truth is: that's why many of us have sworn our lives to controlling
the Taint today, to opposing it, containing it ... and eventually eradicating
it. Because the Truth is, it's our responsibility.

"The problem," I continued, choosing my words with care, "is that the Taint is
cunning and deceptive. We've all heard Tainted people whisper alluring words
and promises, only to fly into a rage when we see through their hollowness. So
for us to be able to wisely oppose the Taint, we need to keep ever-open to the
Truth, in all its forms."

The other participants were politely listening, but I knew that I shouldn't
keep speaking just on my own, so I began to draw my comments to a close. "This
is the essence, I feel, of Lord Japhiel's teachings on Truth: every small bit
of understanding we lack, as servants of the Light, the Tainted can use against
us. That understanding of Truth can be the Truth about the Supernals themselves,
and what they teach us ... about Celestia and the angels and cherubs who protect
us ... about the Divine, some of Whom oppose the Taint with us, others of Whom
embrace it, or deny it.

"The fact is: the Taint doesn't just take prisoners of otherwise worthy
Lusternians. It changes their thinking, so that they believe," I emphasized the
word, "that they're not prisoners at all. We of the Light, we of Lord Japhiel,
we of His Virtuous Truth - we can know what is real. And we must. For the
Tainted think they do, but they are misled by the Taint itself, inside them."

Exhaling a deep breath, I looked around and nodded to my kind listeners; it
seemed from their satisfied faces that my remarks had been helpful to many of
them.

"I know you've all come in with your own thoughts and questions about the Truth
and its role in our lives," I said then. "I think it's a good time now for me to
step back and moderate your discussions. Would anyone like to start it off?"

Collvan Deladrier stepped forward. "I would like to propose a question: Who
judges what is and what is not Truth?" Inclining my head to Collvan, I agreed
with the importance of the question and asked what people though. The crowd
pondered this in silence for a moment, and then it seemed almost everyone was
talking at once, which made me smile.

Tzekelkan Silverwing began with: "The Supernals. I believe in their Truth, and
I have faith in it." Doman Brightwing immediately asked whether this meant the
Supernals were infallible, to which Tzekelkan shook his head. "The Supernals
are not infallible," he replied. "However, it is Their Truth that guides me."

Anisu Aristata seemed not to agree with Tzekelkan. "How many times have we
approached the Supernals on matters like if someone committed a crime or not,"
he said, referring no doubt to past transgressions that New Celest has had to
deal with. "Truth most often gets judged by your peers, as to why truth is
often but a point of view."

Tzekelkan responded by explaining, "They can not grasp all views.... Like They
have said, for example, They can not see why anyone would not want to be of the
Light." Many nodded, remembering the same, although the discussion faltered for
a bit, the issues murkier.

Then Collvan asked, "What about the time before the Supernals - was there no
Truth then?" Finding support for his ideas, Anisu continued: "Truth is a virtue
the Supernals value; it was not invented by Them. Truth is to relay what
happened in an objective manner. Only few can be so objective however."

Tzekelkan nodded, certainly agreeing with at least the first of Anisu's claims.
The second seemed more debatable, and indeed Collvan answered, "It's quite
possible that no one can be so objective ... to know Truth, one would have to
know All."

Ecclesiar Metea joined in then, saying, "Perhaps truth is, itself, objective,
but there are differing perceptions of such, and we take the perception, or
view of the truth, that we are best able to reconcile with our understanding of
the world."

"Yes and no," Anisu replied, which immediately stoked my curiosity; I could
tell by looking at the others' faces that they were curious too.

"Some things are instinctively true," Anisu continued, and Collvan quickly
asked for an example, as Tzekelkan listened to the exchange with amusement in
his eyes. "For example," Anisu elaborated, "Taint being bad is instinctively
true; one wouldn't need the Supernals to know that."

"Not from their point of view," Tzekelkan said, explaining after Anisu's raised
eyebrow that he referred to the point of view of the Taint.

"The Taint values lies and subterfuges," Anisu came back. "It's in their
ideals."

"Yes, but lies and subterfuges are part of the All."

"Lies also directly oppose truth."

"A lie is still truth, only to a negative extent."

"Lies are never truth," Anisu asserted emphatically. "The definition of a lie
is to speak something that is not true."

Tzekelkan simply shrugged. "Does that matter anyway? The Tainted believe that
'in Taint there is truth'."

At this point Anisu shifted the focus of the discussion subtly. "One can ask
though: is truth always good?"

"Their truth," Tzekelkan answered, again meaning the ideals of the Taint, "is
obviously not good."

"But not all ideas are truths," said Shyshaeia Deladrier, repeating herself
from a moment earlier when she wasn't able to get the attention of the focused
debaters. "Truth in and of itself is never good or bad."

After pondering this statement for a moment, Tzekelkan nodded in affirmation.
"Actually, I'd have to agree with Shyshaeia." Anisu mentioned how the Tainted
also believe that Fain is not a traitor, which showed how the Taint deceives
those It influences, and Tzekelkan agreed with this as well.

At this slight lull in the discussion, I decided I could profitably return the
conversation to an earlier topic, so I interjected from my position near Lord
Japhiel's statue: "Collvan began by asking who judges what is Truth. Tzekelkan
nominated the Supernals, quite reasonably. Are there any other opinions?"

The two debaters repeated their earlier positions: "For us it is Them," said
Tzekelkan, while Anisu avowed, "I maintain truth is judged by your peers."

"There is no definite truth," Doman asserted at this point; I smiled and stayed
quiet, listening to new opinions being expressed. It is relative, judged by
yourself and those around you ... it always changes."

"The ideal truth does not change," Anisu said simply. "What people perceive as
truth changes. Only an omnipotent being knows real truth."

Tzekelkan nodded at Anisu, but then clarified his thoughts: "However, I try to
see the Truth as the Supernals do. So in this case, my peers' Truth would be
closely the same as Theirs."

"Perhaps it is best," Collvan warranted, "to speak not of Truth so much as of
evidence. Each one must weigh in his own mind what he observes, and establish a
firm conclusion, keeping always in mind that one might very well be wrong."

"Evidence can be made to what you want it to be," Anisu responded, which evoked
an impish smile from Tzekelkan and a friendly mutter about "lies, here we come
again". After a moment of chuckling from the congregation, Anisu went on: "For
example, if I speak truth but withhold parts of it, is it still truth?"

Many of the attendees had an answer to this. "Yes," said Tzekelkan, "it's the
truth viewed through your peers." Shyshaeia said, "Truth is always tied closely
to one's perception. I think it would be hard to separate what is Truth from
one's perception."

Collvan held up a finger then, gaining everyone's attention, and responded
directly to Anisu's question. "Only if one wishes to deceive others - or
oneself. That is why we must always search beyond what we see and hear, to
examine motives and reliability as well."

"What if the part I withhold is harmful?" Anisu pressed on. Tzekelkan
dissented, saying that in that case it wouldn't be the whole truth, but he was
interrupted by the departure of Doman Brightwing, who had come to the
discussion despite hunger and fatigue and was finally apologetically taking his
leave.

By this time it was well past sunset, and several of the attendees had drifted
away, though still almost twenty kinsmen remained in all. Inspired by what I
hoped was a helpful clarification, I decided to try to draw the different
threads of the conversation together.

"I have a thought on this," I said, and was gratified by ears perking up in
interest as most of the congregation turned to me.

With a smile, I pointed out, "It lies in the subtle difference between the
question Collvan asked and a question he didn't ask. The two questions are: who
best perceives the actual Truth ... and who judges what is Truth.

"And I think you have already answered both questions," I continued, gesturing
to the crowd with both hands and a tail. "The Supernals best perceive what
Truth is. But, like it or not, we are its judges

"And of course we're swayed by the opinions of our peers; we wouldn't be mortal
otherwise." (Actually I started to say "dracnari" instead of "mortal", and the
sparkle in Tzekelkan's eyes told me that he, at least, noticed the beginning of
the slip.) "That's why many of us find it so important that we surround
ourselves with others of the Light, rather than those cursed by the Taint."

"It can be said that Estarra is actually closest to truth," said Anisu. "Yeah,"
Tzekelkan responded with a sigh, "but none of us here are even close to Her
Grace...." And Shyshaeia weighed in as well, "I think to find the Truth we
seek, it requires that we go beyond out comfort zones."

"It's unfortunate that the Supernals do not have access to more perceptions,"
Collvan mused. "Could you tell me, for I'm not sure ... what sort of experience
do the Supernals have outside of the Cosmic plane?"

Since his question seemed to be addressed to me, I stepped forward. "I believe
that the Supernals are so tightly bound to Celestia that neither could long
survive in the absence of the other. And that's precisely why They ask for
servants of the Light on this plane and others."

Anisu agreed, "They can't survive outside the cosmic planes because They are
not fully grown. The moment They leave, they die."

I wasn't sure that the Holy Ones would perish from a mere moment away from
Celestia, but Collvan was responding to me: "And as such, Their perceptions are
limited - They must rely upon the reports of others." General agreement came
from the listeners. "That is why it is unfortunate," he went on, "if Archivist
Neerth, Patriarch of Japhiel, says they are best at perceiving ... and they are
limited in their perception. A sad thing."

"All the more reason," I pointed out, probably a bit more preachily than I
should have, "for us to strive constantly - like we're doing right now - to
carry Their Truth with us all the time."

"Well," said Tzekelkan with a smile, "one good thing can be said though. If the
Holy Supernals are not all-knowing, neither are the Demon Lords." This brought
wry smiles to the faces of many, and "Thank the Light" was heard from several
corners of the alcove. "As long as we stand strong in the Light, and our faith
never crumbles, we shall prevail."

"Here comes an evil Anisu statement," said Anisu himself with a grin, and
several of us laughed with her before she could even get to the statement.

"To find truth," Anisu claimed when she regained our attention, "you need a
dishonest person to find it. And you need to know other dishonest people for
it, or you would not know a lie."

Several of us chuckled again, but Tzekelkan was pondering the claim
thoughtfully, and he decided, "Nah. You just gotta know lots of stuff. - You
said yourself Lady Estarra is closest to knowing All. How dishonest is She?"

"Truth is defined largely by what lies are not, and vice versa," Shyshaeia
offered almost at the same time. "Let me put it this way: if there were no
lies, we would not have a need for the word 'truth'. For everyone would tell
only what was true."

To this Tzekelkan said, "Without light, there is no darkness ... same for truth
and lies."

But Anisu dissented, drawing a peering glance from Tzekelkan: "Depends on your
definition of light. Light, as in the teachings of the Supernals, did not
require darkness. However the name 'Light' comes from darkness."

"No, Light as in, Light," Tzekelkan tried to clarify, his eyes growing heavy
with fatigue. "Light as in the whole Light. The powerful force of balance
between goodness and asperity that we strive to achieve."

"Archivist Neerth, Patriarch of Japhiel says goodness," replied Anisu, making
me wonder why everyone insisted on using my full title. "But what is good?"

"I said asperity as well," Tzekelkan quipped, "what is asperity?" But then he
yawned widely and apologized, taking his leave. I took him quickly aside and
promised I would talk to him on Celestine matters after a day or so, when he
had refreshed himself. He inclined his head to the weary crowd and went on his
way.

When I came back to the conversation, Anisu was saying, "Truth is an absolute,
but one not known perfectly to mortals nor Immortals. However, good is not an
absolute." At that nobody spoke for a moment, allowing me to clear my throat
for their attention. "In fact, we've been at this all night and the sun's
risen. Should we go ahead and wrap this up?"

Various heads nodded, some more gratefully than others. Collvan agreed and
thanked me for hosting the discussion. Still, Anisu wanted to know, "So have we
found a conclusion as to what is Truth, and how we should aspire to it? Or in
fact have we found the answer to the question: should one always be truthful?"

"I guess as close as we can for now," Shyshaeia said, which made Anisu add with
a wink, "To be honest, such a discussion will never be over."

"Hopefully we have found some conclusions," I said to Anisu, "but I'm sure
there are many more we'll need to think about as time goes on."

At that moment, Riddler Daxera, Sifter of Sands entered the alcove from the
cathedral's main chamber, stopping in mild surprise to see the numerous people
sharing the small space in the early morning. Hesitantly she asked if she could
infuse some of Jethri's glass globes with the topaz essence of light from the
Virtuous Truth's statue, a praiseworthy act of course. I told her and the rest
of the congregation I would simply end the discussion with a call for Lord
Japhiel's blessing upon us all.

I knelt before the statue, as did many of the others, and beseeched the
Illuminator: "Lord of Truth, we are your servants in the Basin of Life. Help us
all to carry as much of the Light's Truth with us every day, and spur us to want
to find out more of that Truth all our lives."

Standing up, I adjourned the discussion with a broad smile and my thanks to the
congregation, whose participation made me happy and inspired. I told those
present that I'd be holding another discussion in a couple of years, and I
encouraged them to attend and continue asking deep questions.

As the crowd dispersed, several kinsmen thanked me for organizing the
discussion. Shyshaeia told me that it was enlightening, and Squire Jigan
allowed as to how he understood the Virtuous Truth a bit better. Metea called
the discussion thought-provoking as well, and Aqua Spout Philemon encouraged me
to scribe the content of the discussions for New Celest to be able to read - and
I obviously agreed!

HIS BENEVOLENT MAGISTRATURE

a discussion of Lord Japhiel's doctrine of Judgment

After calling all interested kinsmen to the alcove of the Holy Illuminator in
the Deep Blue Cathedral, I began the discussion a bit before noon on the
seventh day of Dioni, one hundred fifty-one years after the Coming of Estarra.
Two of my fellow Celestines were present: Ecclesiar Metea, who was present at
the discussion on His Virtuous Truth as well, and Hopeful of Japhiel, Shaeden
Glacielle. Also present briefly were Tempest Tamer Callus, Harmony of the Waves
and the newly elected Archmage Daxera McCloud, who could stay only for a moment
before returning to her duties.

Remembering that some people had become fatigued and hungry during the first
discussion, and wanting to maintain an informal atmosphere despite the serious
subject matter, I had arranged for some light snacks to be baked for the
beginning of the discussion. This probably helped the attendance, at least at
first, as about twenty other kinsmen were present as the discussion commenced.
Moreover, as I bowed to the statue of Lord Japhiel in preparation for beginning
the proceedings, He inspired me with a way to use the baked goods to gently
introduce the topic at hand.

"This cookie that Japhiel's Hopeful, Shaeden, just handed me," I began after
clearing my throat, "is a good analogy for this series of discussions." I held
up the little fruit-inspired cookie for all to see, even though several of them
were holding cookies from the same batch: it had been exotically decorated with
many colorful and edible tints, with swirls of reds, blues, yellows, greens,
and purples coming together in a spiral pinwheel design, forming a
tasty-looking treat. "I look at the cookie and I see a rainbow. But if I wanted
to make this cookie, I'd probably fail horribly the first time. However, if I
look at each color, one by one, and understand them well enough to make them
myself ... soon I'd be able to put them together in this lovely manner.

"This not so subtle analogy," I continued with a wry smile, encouraged by the
chuckles my comment elicited from the congregation, "relates to the different
houses of Lord Japhiel's path. By concentrating on Truth, a couple of years
ago; Judgment, today; and Wisdom and Illumination, in future discussions - we
can learn to put together the entirety of His teachings, and try to live and
preach them.

I bowed once again to my Lord's statue, this time to indicate that the
discussion was beginning, and thanked the attendees warmly for coming. To their
smiling faces I said, "So today I'll start by talking, just for a bit, about His
Benevolent Magistrature, His 'house' of Judgment. Then we can open the floor up
to a discussion."

With my tail flicking back and forth thoughtfully, I started with my prepared
remarks. "To me, it helps to think about this 'house' of Judgment as being
supported by three pillars: Light, Law, and Adjudication. We talked a lot about
the Light in the last discussion, of course, but in a subtly different way: the
Truth about the Light and the Taint is that they exist, that the Light is
natural and good, and that the Taint is the product of Kethuru working through
mortal greed and overambition.

"But in the house of Judgment, I think of the Light as showing me - showing all
of us - the direction that actions, words, and deeds are supposed to align
with," I continued. "After all, if we are to judge ourselves and others, we
need to know the standards to judge against. If you like, the Light dictates
our morality. Though none of us feel constrained by its 'dictates', of course!
- rather we feel energized, freed, to focus upon the Light's healing essence
and the good that we can do in Its name."

A few people had wandered out to their other Celestian duties, but the many who
remained were nodding in agreement, so I went on to define the present topic
more specifically. "Law, on the other hand, is what we mortals define in the
organizations we create. Of course our Laws are based on the Light. But often
we need to specify things in gory detail, for mortals are prone to think that a
few specific rules can capture all of the intricacies of how they should
behave."

At this point Shaeden Glacielle raised his hand in question, so I yielded to
him. "Neerth, how can we tell which to do?" he asked, clearly struggling with
some idea. "At times, I feel even the laws of Celest conflict with those of the
Light. And yet ... if New Celest were to make exceptions ... well, we must all
be judged equally."

"I completely agree," I reassured him.

"Then what do we do?" he pressed. "Follow our hearts and the Light, or the Laws
of New Celest?"

I had to think for a long moment, during which several in the congregation
offered their opinions, about how best to answer Shaeden's question. Eventually
I decided upon the following answer. "In my view, the Law is a promise we make
to one another. The city's laws are called the Covenant, after all! Ideally the
Law is perfectly conceived and conforms to the Supernals' wishes in every way.
But we aren't perfect, and neither are our laws.

"However, it's still a promise," I emphasized. "We're lucky that we live in a
Grand Duchy where the opinions of the citizens are welcome, and where the
Covenant can be changed when the wisdom of those changes is realized. But while
a Law exists, it should be followed. Laws that end up hurting the Light will be
changed soon enough; but broken promises cause us to lose trust in one
another." (Note that this discussion was held before New Celest declared itself
the Righteous Principality it is today, hence the reference to the Grand Duchy.)

"What do you think about my proposed answer, Ecclesiar?" I asked Metea, trying
to stimulate participation from the other Celestine present.

Metea smiled and considered her answer, as Shaeden leaned back on his hands to
relax his seated posture. "Well," she offered after a moment, "the notion of
law, even undesirable law, as being a promise which must be upheld functions
well with respect to laws that are too harshly enforced, or too wide in their
ambit. However, if a law is made that some might consider morally unjust, is it
such that it creates a promise worth keeping?"

"What about the fae?" asked Shaeden, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. "The
Supernals have said we don't need to convert them, but I got the sense They
would not mind if we did."

I nodded solemnly to Shaeden's point. "Well, the fae are a good example
illustrating my own view on this matter, although Metea raises a point worth
considering.

"If New Celest's Covenant permitted conversion of the fae, or if it outright
prohibited conversion - either way, things would work fairly well. But when we
argued amongst ourselves about whether or not to follow the Law that actually
existed ... then we became fractured, and the Light was weakened.

"Personally," I went on, "I would rather channel my energy into getting an
'immoral' law changed, than into breaching it."

"I do understand, and agree with what you're saying," Metea responded
respectfully, "but, in the case of the fae for example, breach wouldn't occur
by act but, rather, by omission; so it may not even require energy, in the
obvious sense, as the individual would simply be continuing in the manner that
they had prior to the establishment of the law."

"Well, continuing to act is still an act," I countered with a smile.

"But, you're right, it would hardly do us any good to bicker amongst ourselves
over whether or not the Law should be upheld."

"There's a fine line between bickering and debating, isn't there," I offered
with an impish smile. Actually I meant it only as a light-hearted comment, but
it ended up spurring a bit more thoughtful discourse:

"True," Metea said, "the distinction lies, perhaps, in the ferocity of people's
exchanges, and the discord that it creates."

Shaeden shook his head. "It lies in their willingness to change their own
views. If they are not willing to change themselves in the face of intelligent
facts...."

"Ferocity and discord proceeds from inflexibility, perhaps?" Metea clarified.

"An excellent point," I put in. "In practice, the two flaws -
closed-mindedness, that is, and aggression during debate - are usually linked."
Those in the congregation nodded, some with wry smiles spurred by arguments in
their own memories. "Think of trying to preach to a Tainted person. The Taint
commands him to believe that being Tainted is a benefit, and so everything we
say puts him on the defensive."

With this pause in the discussion, I took a moment then to explain a bit of
Celestine terminology to the congregation, including the ecclesiastical term
'Naoi' that has already appeared in this written account; I also explained that
Judgment, like each 'Naos', is supported by three pillars which in the Path of
Japhiel are called 'Stuloi'. A few of them took their leave of the alcove then,
which stung me a bit, but I suppose the length of the discussion (it was well
past sunset by then) and the technical terminology were hard enough for anyone
to focus on overlong.

"The discussion is going very well," I said then. "Maybe I can take one moment
to just summarize the three pillars, and then we can continue." The
congregation listened politely.

"The first stulos of Judgment: Light. We need to know what the Light calls us
to do, both as individuals and as organizations. The second stulos of Judgment:
Law. We need to know, intimately, what our city and guild laws actually say; we
need to make sure that their consequences support the Light. And the final
stulos of Judgment: Adjudication. Once we know the Law and its consequences and
sanctions, we can apply it, fairly and compassionately but firmly, to those who
have agreed to be bound by the laws.

"So many people forget that being part of New Celest means," I underscored with
a sigh, "that they've promised to abide by the laws.... Anyway. That's my
summary. Part of our training as Priests of Light -" (this was addressed to
Shaeden and Metea) "- is to be judges of the Light here in the Basin of Life."

At this juncture I turned to the entire congregation and asked, "What questions
might you have about His Benevolent Magistrature at this moment?"

"Concerning judgment ..." Shaeden began, after seeing that no others were
readying themselves to speak, "I missed the Truth discussion - the one I really
wanted to hear." At that point I remarked that after the four discussions, I'd
be scribing this very volume! Shaeden and several of those gathered were
pleased at that prospect - encouragement that has helped me with the discipline
to set claw to parchment these many long nights, I might add. In any case, he
continued: "I have never had the chance to ask the Illuminator before ... what
is 'Truth'? Is it a hard, factual, truth, such as 'black and white', or is it
'grey' where multiple Truths can exist?"

I chuckled that that question is the reason we had a full day of discussion on
the topic of Truth, and Shaeden looked a bit chastened. "I just want to know if
He sees it as black and white, or as 'grey' truth," he finished, sitting down.

At that moment, the Benevolent Magistrate inspired my mind once again. With a
solemn bow, still struggling with the depth of the insight He afforded me, I
stepped to the center of the alcove, preparing to speak in answer.

"I would say," I began, gazing off into the distance as I gathered my thoughts
around the Holy Illuminator's insight, "... yes, this is how I would interpret
our Lord's teachings.

"Imagine a beautiful tapestry, except made not with colors, but with intricate
patterns of black and white.

"From up close, every black thread and every white thread can be clearly seen.
Someone who spent a lifetime studying this tapestry could tell you every part
that's white or black.

"From far away, the whole thing looks grey. Some parts darker than others of
course.

"And it really is okay, sometimes, to stand at a medium distance. To see some
white, some black, and some grey.

"But the reality is, it's all black and white. If we need that greater clarity,
we need to come closer." I finished and looked around; judging from the
illuminated faces of the congregation, this was easily the wisest thing I had
said all year, and I silently thanked Lord Japhiel for His inspiration.

"I got it," Shaeden affirmed. "I suppose that's really how it is. We can't
always follow every single thread, if we expect to be able to react in time to
the Truths we find.... That's a very good answer, Patriarch."

I smiled and inclined my head politely to the smattering of polite applause
that rose from the congregation. "Exactly why I want to hold these discussions
- because other servants of Light can inspire me to express the Supernals'
teachings better than I ever could alone."

"We can all teach each other, yes?"

"I'd like to think so."

"I always find the Light to be rather individual," Shaeden mused. "Different
for every person. Which, of course, makes it hard to determine who is 'of the
Light' and who is not."

"Our service of Light is different, perhaps," I replied. "But it's all part of
the same tapestry."

I peered around, noting the guttering of the low candles and the increasing
sounds of activity in the city as sunrise approached. "It's almost dawn!" I
exclaimed with a smile. "I think I'll end with a call for Lord Japhiel's
blessing, for all of us."

I knelt before His statue and beseeched the Holy Supernals as the heads in the
congregation bowed. "Lord of Judgment," I intoned solemnly, "we are Your
magistrates in the Basin of Life. Help us all to know our mortal laws and to
refine them to suit Your wishes and Wisdom. May we be examples of Light to all
whom we encounter."

As I stood, I beamed in appreciation to the dozen or so of my kinsmen who had
stayed throughout the night to hear the full discussion. With a wave of my tail
to the remaining food, I doffed the hood of my robes to the departing
congregation, accepting their thanks with pleasure.

"Yes, thank you," Metea contributed with a polite curtsey. "I imagine that a
day's discussion isn't enough to fully consider the subject, but you did very
well."

I grinned at that - a discussion any longer than a full day and we would all
have been falling over in fatigue! "If I've helped people to think about it
more themselves," I responded solemnly, "that's probably the best service to
Him I could do."

"Indeed, it's certainly food for thought," she answered, accepting my blessing.

"Food!" I cried, realizing suddenly how hungry I was. I gathered up the few
remaining snacks, wiped up the crumbs from the floor of the Cathedral, and went
out onto upper Nautilus Pompilus. With a kind blessing, I shared the remaining
food with some merchants and passers-by in the non-merian quarter, trusting my
discipline that the few bites I ate would satiate me. I strolled up to Whelk
and turned left, heading towards the Seraph of Elohora that marked the entrance
to the seminary and a well-earned morning's sleep in the dormitory.

HIS PRECEPTIVE ERUDITION

a discussion of Lord Japhiel's doctrine of Wisdom

After calling all interested kinsmen to the alcove of the Holy Illuminator in
the Deep Blue Cathedral, I began the discussion on the morning of the fifth day
of Klangiary, one hundred fifty-five years after the Coming of Estarra, with a
smile and these not-so-sage words: "Anyway, we might as well begin."

Gathered with me in the alcove were almost exactly a score of my kinsmen from
New Celest. I recognized three attendees in particular: Aqua Initiate Fionn;
Kirameki, a Child of Light in the Celestines; and Scholar of the Low Tide,
Noola Tanestra. In contrast to the casual air of the second discussion, most of
the congregation seemed to have awoken and journeyed to the Cathedral
specifically to spend their day at the discussion. I decided it would be better
for me to adopt a more solemn tone.

Correspondingly I bowed deeply to the Erudite Preceptor's statue and cleared my
throat. "Thank you all for coming," I began. "As you know, this is the third of
four lectures I'm leading about Lord Japhiel. - Discussions, rather, because
none of us want me to talk forever," I added with a grin, already breaking my
inner vow to be more serious.

Still, the several smiles my gaffe elicited made me relax a bit. I continued,
"But I'll start with a few words to get us on subject, and the discussion part
will open up quickly.

"Truth, because His Virtuous Truth teaches us that we can't hope to represent
the Supernals and the Light in the Basin of Life without knowing, as fully as
possible, the truth about what we stand for and who opposes us. And Judgment,
because His Benevolent Magistrature teaches us that we are ultimately the ones
who decide whether others are Light-fearing or not, and we must reinforce their
choices in ways that bring them to the Light.

"Today's discussion is about the third of the four pillars of Lord Japhiel's
way: the pillar of Wisdom, which we can call (if we want) His Preceptive
Erudition. ... A couple of big words there, what do they mean," I asked
rhetorically with another impish smile. After a few more chuckles, I composed
myself again and pursed my lips in thought before launching into an
explanation.

"We all know of the Precepts of New Celest's Covenant, for example," I
explained. "The word 'preceptive' concerns actions that we allow, or prohibit,
in others. Laws, for example. But 'erudition' doesn't sound like anything about
the law, or dictators, and so on. Erudition is having ... and not just having,
but especially showing ... great learning, great understanding.

"So His Preceptive Erudition is one way of thinking about His call for us to
guide and shape the behavior of others; but not through bullying or threats -
rather, through demonstrating the wisdom in our actions, both implicitly and
explicitly.

"We know that people don't serve the Light out of fear or weakness; we serve
the Light out of love, out of duty to the realm, and out of the desire for
everyone we see to be as serene and untainted in their lives as we are. So the
more we can tell other people about the Light, and how it fills and empowers
us, and how we can serve it - "

"So if we're to guide and shape the behaviors of others without violence,"
Kirameki interrupted, "why is there a need for a war with Serenwilde?" For in
the year 155 CE, as you know, the Angel War was fully engaging New Celest with
Serenwilde and Magnagora.

"I've been wondering about that myself," Fionn agreed.

"It's a good question," I answered Kirameki, nodding my head in understanding.
Turning to the entire congregation, I asked, "What is the cause of that war?
Anyone?"

Everyone there muttered about the war and the obstinacy of the Serens,
naturally, and several of them formulated answers. After a few moments Kirameki
nodded to the merchant she'd been listening to and, noticing my eyeridge raised
at her, stepped forward to give her answer.

"Serenwilde refused to do what we asked - for them to place a law to stop
killing angels," she recited. "And Serenwilde's refusal is based partially on
the fact that they believe they are free to do whatever they want and exempt
from any of Celest's rules. At least, that's their side of the story."

"Good!" I responded. "There are complicating factors, but that's exactly the
core of it."

Knowing that the congregation wouldn't be content with a quick answer, I stood
before them all and explained further why the servants of the Light were forced
into pursuing the holy war.

"True enough," I agreed, referring to Kirameki's description of the Seren
motives, "as far as I understand. But as we've already begun to discuss, it's a
question of Light, not rules that we're making arbitrarily.

"An angel is a being of pure Light. Killing me, for example, is a mean thing to
do, and it does hinder the Light, insofar as I serve the Supernals. But killing
an angel directly ... that is a direct action against Celestia," I proclaimed
with a sigh. "It's one step removed from attacking a Supernal in person.

"Regardless of anyone's motivations - whether they feel they should just be
'free to do what they want' - killing a celestial angel is a Tainted act.
Nobody ever slew cosmic beings in the days of the Holy Celestian Empire, when
all beings were united in service to the Light."

"Besides," Noola put in, "being free to do what one wants doesn't mean that
what you want to do is right." This garnered many knowing nods of agreement
from the congregation; I beamed with that evidence that my kinsmen, though
war-weary, were still strong in their faith.

"That's definitely true," I agreed as well. "But I think Kirameki is asking,
not just why do we react, but why do we react with violence." Kirameki nodded
vigorously at that, so I went on.

"Part of the answer is because, as many of us Celestians believe, there's a
difference between what the lawmakers of Serenwilde would do, and what the
people of Serenwilde know to be right.

"It's not just that random Serens are running around killing angels every day.
We could well answer those individuals without a war, if that were the case.
It's that the institution," I emphasized the word, "of Serenwilde is declaring
its support for such Tainted acts. We have to oppose the institution, in this
case."

"It's a bit ironic then," Kirameki grimaced. "Serenwilde is supposedly against
the Taint, but it supports those Tainted actions."

"It is, and it's sad too," I replied. "Now don't forget that the Supernals as a
whole do not shy away from violence. Lord Methrenton tells us that opposing the
Taint requires force as well as finesse, and Lady Shakiniel insists that we
defend those of the Light.

"It's interesting, because there are at least three levels of guidance one can
apply to others. If they lean towards Light already, we teach, we lead by
example, we encourage. If they are indifferent, we don't press - that would
push them away - but we give them small reasons to find the Light attractive."
A few people in the congregation confirmed this description, many of them
having received such Celestian guidance in their own pasts, I mused to myself.

"And if they are against the Light," I went on, "so much so that they are
literally irrational about it - as the corrupted minds of all Tainted are, for
example - then we must teach them in the only language they can understand.
Violence is not to be savored ... but it's not to be shrunk from, when
protection of the Celestian Nation is at stake."

I pondered my last words a bit more, then smiled and said, "And this discussion
was intended to be focused on that first level of guidance - how to act towards
those already leaning towards the Light. Although this side trip was very
instructive. That's the best reason for having discussions! - I never know what
I'm going to learn from everyone who attends."

A wave of smiles rolled over the audience, and I joined them. Wanting to go
back to a more central topic, but cognizant that the ongoing war was an
important subject in all our lives, I asked, "Did any of you have further
comments to contribute about the topic of the war with Serenwilde?" After
waiting several moments without significant response, I said, "Okay! Let me
just finish with my prepared remarks, and then we'll cast the discussion wide
open."

"The only thing left I wanted to mention," I spoke to the congregation, "was
some examples of how we can exemplify Lord Japhiel's teachings, and thereby be
effective leaders of Light ourselves.

"You can already guess many of them: we can guide new members of our city,
guilds, and cartels through their initial training periods. We can explain what
equipment they will need and how they can equip themselves; we can lend our
wisdom about how they can improve themselves and learn about Lusternia. We can
write scrolls for our organizations or for publication in the Lodestar
Athenaeum, so that young Celestians can find such information even when we're
otherwise occupied.

"We can give useful clothing, healing elixirs, and other material goods to
kinsmen. We can cure them, we can give them food ... in short, we can make
their service to Celestia easier for them to begin."

The sun was setting by this point, and a few members of the congregation
apologetically left for their homes and families. I scratched the back of his
neck with my tail, recomposing myself to finish my comments.

"In general," I concluded, "we can help through either spoken or written word,
and through providing suggestions for a path a young Celestian could tread - a
set of tasks he can use to improve himself and learn more about the ways of the
Light.

"For in these troubled times, it's all too easy to drift onto a path of
indifference or, worse yet, Taint."

I had come to the end of my prepared remarks, and none too soon, for I could
tell the congregation was a bit restless. "So!" I exclaimed, a bit suddenly.
"What questions might you be thinking now, or what comments do you want to
contribute?"

Despite the end of my remarks, the attendees still seemed a bit reluctant to
take the floor, no matter how friendly the manner in which I raised my eyeridge
at them. Hoping to stimulate their thoughts, I added after the long pause,
"Well, let me put a question then."

As their ears perked up with sudden interest, I asked, "We can choose to teach
through spoken word or through written word. Why not just choose one of them
and stick to it?"

The small crowd pondered this question for a few breaths, and then it seemed
everyone spoke at once.

Two answers in particular lit sparks in my mind:

"Because some people learn better through reading and doing their own research,
but others don't," Noola offered. "Also, people might not know what they're
wanting to learn until they hear a discussion that sparks a desire to learn
more. - And then there's also people who find research and poring over scrolls
and books tedious, who'd learn much better from a lecture or discussion...."

"It might also depend on the person attempting to teach," Fionn contributed.
When I asked him in what way, he elaborated, "Some people are naturally more
conversational, while others need to mull over their thoughts. These latter
ones do much better by taking large spans of time to put their thoughts into
word upon parchment."

I smiled then, possibly even puffed out a small proud flame, though I didn't
want to alarm the congregation. "So in less time than it takes a lucidian to
blink, we have three good answers," I announced, re-centering the crowd's
attention. "Why leave open both the spoken word and the written word as
options? The propensities of the person who's learning; the propensities of the
teacher as well; and the advantage of actively introducing a topic to someone
through speaking about it, when they might not have otherwise thought to seek
it out."

To unanimous nods of understanding, I went on: "In general, as you've
suggested, the written word is suited to conveying specific information - small
details, for example. The spoken word is suited to conveying grander ideas - the
big picture, the interconnections.

"And the Light demands both, of all of us. I need to know how to abjure the
cosmic fire," I gave as an example with a grin, "but I need to know when it's
good to do so." Of course then I had to explain a bit about cosmic magic to the
large part of the congregation who had little experience with such things.

"By Zoaka, it's midnight already," I declared suddenly. "I hadn't realized the
time. Do any of you have something to add at this point?"

There was some general murmuring, but we were all equally tired, and nobody
broached a new subject. I received some preliminary congratulations on the
discussion's success: Noola told me that she was glad it had been held and that
she hoped to be able to attend the final one, and Fionn said he'd also learned a
lot, particularly in light of the lack of any obvious manuscript that would shed
some light on the causes of Angel War conflict. "Ignite your Star Council to
communicate more with us about the war," I smoked, "that's part of His
Preceptive Erudition too!"

"Anyway," I announced to the stirring congregation, "I'll hold the fourth and
final discussion in two or three years. After that I need to distill all of it
into book form for the Athenaeum." In answer to a question I told them that the
subject of that discussion would be His Insightful Ambassadorship, which in
brief was the call to improve ourselves as robustly as we can so that we can
follow through on the other parts of the Light's teachings.

I ended by beseeching the Holy Supernals for Their blessing, saying with head
bowed respectfully: "Lord of Wisdom, we are Your teachers in the Basin of Life.
In speech, writing, and action, we strive to communicate the glory of Celestia
to everyone we encounter. Help us all to understand how best to convey Your
ways to all those who thirst for the Light."

With smiles all around, I led the rest of the attendees out onto Nautilus
Pompilus and bade them good night and Light's blessings.

HIS INSIGHTFUL EMISSARY

a discussion of Lord Japhiel's doctrine of Illumination

I had a little trepidation, when I arrived at the alcove of the Holy
Illuminator in the Deep Blue Cathedral at sunrise, whether there would be a
reasonable number of attendees for the final discussion; my fear was that
people would feel (incorrectly) that the first three discussions had said
everything there was to say about the Holy Illuminator.

But the Supernals will provide, as the saying goes! By noon almost forty of my
kinsmen had arrived, including Ecclesiar Asmir, Scholar of Light and Ecclesiar
Cambriana, Twinkle of Light from my own guild, as well as Lady Malicia La'Saet,
Blade Inquisitor. I also spotted in the crowd the newly familiar faces of
Ecclesiar Eilar and of Alkain, a young Celestian newly passed through the
Portal of Fate.

After greeting as many participants as I could and making a final announcement
to the city, I began the discussion a bit after noon of the twenty-fourth day
of Klangiary, one hundred sixty years after the Coming of Estarra, and just
over eleven years after the first discussion in the series of four. "This is
the fourth, and last, discussion on Lord Japhiel's teachings. As before, I'll
open with some remarks of my own, and we'll drift into a full discussion.

"To me these teachings are naturally divided into four houses," I preached.
"The first house is Truth: to serve the Supernals, we must know everything we
can about the Light, the Taint, and the responsibilities we have to Celestia.
The second house is Judgment: we are the ones called to look around us, at both
kinsman and foreigner, and decide which actions and words serve that Truth, and
which hinder it. It's a grave responsibility, to be magisters like that, but
nobody is more qualified than we.

"The third house, which we discussed last time, is Wisdom: once we understand
what is Light-serving and Light-destroying in Lusternia, we need to know the
best way to address everything. Our own actions are crucial, servants of
Celestia as we are, and knowing how to act...." But I didn't finish that
sentence, for already there was a questioning hand raised. Tracing the hand
down to the curious face of Ecclesiar Asmir, I motioned with my tail that he
should feel free to speak.

"By 'we'," he asked, "do you mean all of New Celest's citizens, or those that
follow the Path of Japhiel?"

"All those who serve the Light," I answered, noting with a bit of surprise and
pleasure that the Ecclesiars were already taking notes. "To an extent that can
include even villagers and rogues." Asmir nodded, already understanding, but I
wanted to clarify a bit more to the congregation at large, so I said, "The Path
of Japhiel is a convenient ... container, if you will ... for certain ideas that
Lady Elohora and the Supernals teach to us. But in a sense, there is only one
path: that of Light. So the Path of Japhiel doesn't exclude any service to the
Supernals. It just concentrates on some more than others."

An amusing thing happened then: someone in the congregation accidentally yawned
very loudly!

Whoever it was can't really be blamed - the lovely hot summer weather was still
holding into the early autumn, and there were plenty of people in the alcove
giving off their own warmth. I guess that it was a merian even so, or someone
else whom heat affected too much (certainly not a dracnari). In any case, there
was a wave of friendly laughter, and a murmured apology from the "offender"
saying it wasn't because I was boring! I chuckled and said to the gathering,
"I'll take it as a sign from the Supernals to make my own 'lecture' brief so we
can get to the discussion."

Grinning at their happy responses, I began what turned out to be a somewhat
long-steamed series of remarks. "What is the basis of the precepts of
Illumination of Lord Japhiel as Insightful Emissary? The basis is that we, the
ones who understand and judge and toil in the name of Light, we must strive to
better ourselves as much as possible - and to show, to everyone who encounters
us, that the Light is what makes our excellence possible.

"We all have a past," I went on, "although the Portal of Fate has taken away
some of our memories more than others. But that past has led us to the Light,
and those stories are inspiring. We all have callings, in our guilds and
cartels and orders and families. Those callings reflect our strengths, our ways
of challenging ourselves, our fears of inadequacy ... our mortality, in short.

"And the more that other people can relate to us as like them - regardless of
whether they are a simple village farmer, or a powerful champion of another
guild - the more they understand that the Light can be their salvation as
well." I was engaging the congregation as I spoke, letting the specific people
inspire my examples, and I could tell from their smiles and nods that my
Supernal-inspired words were effective.

"Think of when we go preach to villages like Southgard and Paavik," I
continued. "Of course our words are most important ... but do we not dress our
best? Do we not take a little extra time with our jewelry, our attire, our
image magic? Anything that draws people to us will help them be receptive to
our personal stories. And the more that others know about me, for example, the
more they have faith in my words of evangelism. They realize that I'm not just
mouthing aphorisms ... I'm describing the beautiful force that has shaped and
led my own life.

"Moreover, the Light celebrates when its servants accomplish great things. To
see the congratulations and love on Lady Raziela's face ... or the great clap
on the shoulder from Lord Methrenton ... always, I can't wait to let Them know
when I've reached some new goal." I sighed contentedly at this point from my
own memories. "We are all willing servants of Celestia, there's no coercion at
all. But still: happy servants are productive servants."

"And Illumination is the house that tells us: become the great person that you
have the potential to be. Let others know about your story. And live life to
make it impossible that anyone could believe the Light a lie. For the best
evidence of the Light is the serenity it brings you and me."

I breathed deeply for a moment, blinking slowly, sure that my happiness was
showing on my face. As the echoes of my long speech died away, I looked around
and searched the faces of everyone present.

The attentive, even rapt faces of the congregation warmed me, showing that of
all the discussions, this was the most potent I'd been as a speaker. I
whispered a fervent prayer of gratitude to the Insightful Emissary for His
inspiration. With a broad sweep of my tail I invited, "Did any questions come
to your mind from those comments? Or any topics you'd like to broach?"

As the participants reflected and the Celestines made the last inkings in their
journals, Asmir offered, "Well, I can say that all you've said thus far confirms
my impressions of what Lord Japhiel is about." Naturally such a compliment fired
me inside, and I murmured with a chuckle that some of those impressions probably
came from me in the first place. "That is very true," he smiled in response,
"but I've researched and discovered my own conclusions as well."

"Your comments were very thorough," Lady Malicia said. "I have no questions,
but much to ponder."

Cambriana looked up from her notes to contribute, "I also have much to ponder
after hearing your inspiring words. It seems when we visit other cities or
villages to meet the citizens there and to carry the words of Light, we should
make a point to wear our best ... not our everyday clothing. Our actions
reflect upon our city and the chosen path we are taking; it is important to
behave properly if we want others to think of following the Light rather than
the darker paths."

"I guess it isn't enough to grasp the meaning and impressions of others," Asmir
said, taking the floor for a moment, "we must search for our own understanding
as well. Otherwise we are little more than sheep following a shepherd; and I
like to think that to illuminate others to the meaning of what it is to follow
the light we must strive to be more."

"Aye, we must all be shepherds in a sense," I answered him, "and every flock is
different, so we have to learn our own ways of leading." At this point my
accomplished protege Kaalak arrived, apologizing for not being able to come at
the beginning, and there was a general shifting as people greeted one another
and a few excused themselves from the alcove to return to their homes for their
family suppers.

"I have a question I'd like to hear your impressions about," I proposed when
the noise had died down. "I'd be interested in hearing what comes to mind, for
each of you, when I ask this: based on this discussion, maybe, what's one way
of serving or strengthening the Light that you might not have thought of
before?"

Again the discussion paused as people thought about this new query; I simply
stood still, unconsciously tapping the tip of my tail as I waited. The first to
speak up was Cambriana.

"Each of us have different aspects that might interest others into following
the pathway of Light," she expounded. "We all have something to offer. Learning
new mannerisms that will help us discuss important things with other villagers
or citizens of other cities is important as well as making sure we dress to
impress and make them feel they are important to us rather than wearing older
clothing and allowing them to think they aren't important and turn a deaf ear
to our words."

"I feel that as a leader or a shepherd, it is up to me to set an example for
others to follow," offered Malicia. "In my case, the Paladins look to me for
guidance and I, personally, have to look to the precepts of Lord Japhiel for
the same. I hope hope that I can direct them, with the Light as my guide and
that they become leaders as well. Each one. - That struck deeply to me."

"Well, before I came to be a librarian," Asmir said next (indeed I had just
named him an Indexer in my city ministry), "I hadn't realized how important
this vast bank of knowledge was to serving the light. Now that I am part of it,
in my work I have found it an excellent medium for spreading the word as well as
improving the city's image to others who might not see it otherwise."

I smiled at all these thoughtful answers. "A leader who values the example she
sets more than the power she wields ... a student of interaction and
psychology, for the good of her message ... an indexer who is soaking up
scholarly works to expand himself ... all these, and more, are aspects of
Illumination." There was a small wave of applause from the congregation for the
recent speakers, who smiled and complimented one another on their insights.

"One thing that came to me early on in the discussion," I let on in the same
vein, "was that it's very tempting to divide the realm up into separate parts:
Celestians and non-Celestians ... Path of Japhiel and other paths ... and so
on. But I was inspired by the thought that everyone is a potential servant of
Light, and what other label do we need? Hopefully I can remember to be
inclusive, at the same time that I preach or lead."

"It's really all about standards," Asmir responded. "Anyone can meet standards
set for them, but we are challenged with setting high standards in such a way
to make it attractive enough to want to meet or even exceed them."

But right then, without warning, there was a crisis in the city!

Raflein Dekoven, Grand Conductor of the Starhymn, called to New Celest for
assistance; it seemed that Squire Asin Dekoven had fallen to a specter.
Fortunately Raflein had recovered the body in time, and I quickly told him to
come to the Deep Blue Cathedral. A moment later the air around me was sparkling
with motes of power, and a tugging in my chest preceded Raflein's arrival from
the air.

The Duke set down Asin's corpse, so frail and fragile-seeming as humans are
without any protective scales. In front of the stunned congregation, I knelt
over the body in passionate and fervent prayer, calling upon my training in the
Celestial sacraments. As I channeled my own aetheric power into the corpse, a
white light bathed it from above and lifted it off the ground. With a flash,
the squire was restored to life!

"Praise be the Light!" the congregation cried, as I chanted the tones of the
Puella ritual to strengthen Asin. Raflein played some harmonious notes on his
pale mandolin, and Asin's skin flushed a healthy pink (healthy for humans
anyway). Soon she was feeling strong enough to tend to her own further
recovery, and she and Raflein both thanked me. "Praise the Supernals," I
echoed, "for the ability to help each other in this way."

After the commotion had passed, along with midnight and the beginning of the
last day of Klangiary, many people in the congregation went off to sleep,
although there were still a good twenty or so remaining. Purveyor of the Hymn,
Shaeden Falathrim actually arrived around then, thinking he was early for a
dawn discussion but having gotten the day wrong. After teasing him in a
friendly manner, I returned to leading the conclusion of the discussion.

"I think the point that Asmir made," I began, raising my eyeridge at him to
make sure I was right about the comment's source, "about setting high standards
is a good one. Illumination is about representing those standards to others -
but of course we can't represent them if we don't live our lives according to
them. Since it's well past midnight, did anyone else want to comment on
Illumination?"

"I only wish to say I have gained new insight and have much to ponder in the
near future," Cambriana replied. There seemed to be general consensus that the
resurrection marked a good stopping point for the discussion, so I said I would
just end with a brief blessing.

Bowing my head and bringing my tail forward reverently, I prayed: "Lord of
Illumination, we are Your servants in the Basin of Life. The more we can
improve ourselves, the better we can spread the Light to every sentient being,
every remote corner of Lusternia. Help us all to show others what greatness we
strive for, in Your name and the names of all the Supernals, so that the Light
inside each of them is nurtured for the future."

I knelt before His statue, as did many of the remaining participants, and then
I stood with a smile, stretching my joints. "Thank you all for coming and
participating!" I exclaimed, clapping in happiness; admittedly I was feeling
fiery about having completed the series of discussions.

I received my thanks from the remainder of the congregation and strolled out of
the cathedral, heading straight to the seminary's dormitory. I knew I'd be
setting claw to parchment - this very book! - to record the insights of all
four discussions for everyone with access to a great library to read ... but
first, I needed a long, untroubled sleep.

It didn't take me long to find it, praise Lord Japhiel.